CCI revises commitment rules as Google, IndiGo proposals await decision

The competition regulator has also increased the overall timeline for considering commitment applications to 180 days as it seeks to address procedural and administrative issues

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has notified new commitment regulations, extending the timeline for filing such applications from 45 days to 60 days. 

 

In a notification dated August 18, the CCI increased the period available for its preliminary consideration of commitment applications from seven to 15 working days and the total timeline from 130 to 180 days.

 

The Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023 introduced Sections 48A and 48B of the Act to create a settlement and commitment mechanism that allows companies facing antitrust investigations to voluntarily offer corrective measures or agree to certain terms to resolve cases without prolonged litigation.

   

No commitment proposal has yet been approved by the CCI since the provision’s introduction. Two proposals currently under consideration: From InterGlobe Aviation, which runs IndiGo airline, and Google. 

 

Google’s application relates to a probe into alleged unfair business practices regarding the listing of real money gaming apps on the Play Store. InterGlobe’s commitment is related to an abuse-of-dominance investigation arising from the widespread flight disruptions experienced in December 2025.

 

Public consultation for both applications has been conducted and the Commission has to take a final decision on the matter. 

 

The CCI said the changes to the commitment regulations were based on experience gained from implementing the framework, which revealed certain administrative and procedural issues. These related to prescribed timelines, rectification of defects in applications, and lack of clarity over adjustment of fees and the consequences of invalid applications.

 

The CCI had invited comments on the proposed changes from stakeholders. Some suggested that commitment applications should be permitted at any stage before submission of the Director General’s investigation report.

 

The CCI, however, said allowing commitment applications until submission of the investigation report would reduce procedural certainty, undermine the objective of early intervention and delay the inquiry process.

 

“The commitment mechanism is intended to facilitate early market correction and promote prompt resolution of competition concerns while conserving the investigative resources of both the Commission and the Director General,” the CCI said.

 

The settlement and commitment option is available only to those facing inquiries into abuse of dominant position. Cartels are excluded from the mechanism.